Cafe Royale
San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: (415) 441-4099
- Cross Street:
- Leavenworth Street
- Specialties:
- After-Work Bar
- Hours:
- Sun-Thu 4pm-12am, Fri-Sat 4pm-2am
Editorial Review for Cafe Royale – by Benjamin McKay
The Scene
Bedecked with a black-and-white hexagonal-tiled floor, brushed-steel bar, purple velvet curtains and iron-legged bar stools, this postmodern melange oozes NYC style. Dimly lit and deceptively intimate, the watering hole doubles as an art space. The rotating exhibits and performances highlight top Bay Area talents (the proprietor is also a program director at Intersection for the Arts). At times, the unpredictable space feels tranquil and capacious; other times, it's jam-packed and buzzing.
The Draw
More lounge than cafe, this wine bar boasts an eclectic selection of nearly 20 wines by the glass. By exploiting a loophole in its beer-and-wine license, Royale serves soju--Korea's answer to Japanese sake, only stronger. One will find the Hito concoction has as much flavor and kick as any mojito in town.
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Insider Tips
Where to SitIf you arrive to a capacity crowd, move to the back of the bar and up the stairs to the quieter, candlelit second floor.
When to GoOn the third Thursday of every month, an Art Market and Wine & Cheese event is held (6pm-9pm). There are drink specials and live music.
User Reviews for Cafe Royale
01/10/2006 Posted by thiggus
i highly recommend this place for people looking for a cool place to reserve for private parties or fundraisers. the owner is very helpful and makes the space perfect for whatever event it is.
Pros: space, great wine, great people
Cons: parking
09/08/2004 Posted by mostland
I discovered Cafe Royale over 4 years ago, and it remains one of my very favorite bars in SF. The reasons: friendly people (both behind and in front of the bar); a warm, open space with comfortable seating and great evening light; jazz on the speakers and Boddington's on the tap; a fine blend of upretentious people of all ages, backgrounds, and locales. Cafe Royale has always been a great place to lounge with friends after work and converse at comfortable volumes. In the last year or so they have also added some quality events later in the evenings, such as art exhibitions and live music. My only complaint would be that evening events can get crowded. But Cafe Royale is a unique space in San Francisco well worth checking out.
Pros: atmosphere, kate, live music
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